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Faculty Awards 2003: Katherine Hirschboeck - Provost Award
by D.A. Barber
UA News Services
Known for her interest in the how, what and why of teaching, and
improving the quality of learning, Katherine Hirschboeck, of the UA
Tree-ring research lab and professor of climatology, is a winner of the
2003 Provost General Education Teaching Award.
Hirschboeck received her doctorate in geosciences from the UA in 1985
and joined the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research as an associate
professor in 1991.
Provost's General Education
Teaching Award |
The award recognizes Hirschboeck's educating
techniques, which involves teaching the scientific method through
participation and collaboration using intellectual inquiry, critical
thinking, writing to learn and "cross-disciplinary"
applications.
"Her exemplary teaching, her dedication to her students, and her
University-wide influence as a role model for general education
curriculum development, innovation and assessment are compelling reasons
to grant her this award," wrote Harold Larson, professor of
planetary sciences, in his letter of nomination.
As a pioneer and leader in innovative teaching methods and use of new
teaching technologies, Hirschboeck is known for implementing programs
that use collaborative group learning; immediate feedback in
examinations; and student/peer evaluation tools.
"She adopted teaching teams in all five sections of her NATS 101
global change course that she taught between fall 1999 and fall
2002," says Larson, who also directs the Teaching Teams Program (TTP).
The program teams up teachers, students and graduate teaching assistants
to teach in a classroom.
"She has successfully adapted peer-assisted learning strategies to
provide self-motivated students in her classes."
According to Hirschboeck, her teaching philosophy follows the maxim of
Blaise Pascal – to foster inquiry and self-discovery.
"In my undergraduate teaching and curriculum development activities
I have attempted to encourage the self-discovery Pascal describes by
providing more opportunities for active learning and collaborative
learning by my students," says Hirschboeck.
"I have also embraced a teaching style that is more sensitive to
student learning styles, seeking to show them that scientific questions
and answers may be approached from a variety of perspectives and that
science has relevance and application in their everyday lives."
According to Thomas Swetnam, professor of dendrochronology, "She
has inspired students to learn for themselves, and in so doing, to gain
a deep and lasting understanding of the subject matter."
During the 2001-02 University-wide General Education Committee
"Best Practices for Improving Student Learning" retreat,
Hirschboeck's presentation was recognized as the "Best of
Show" in terms of its organization, completeness and adherence to
all of UA's general education guidelines and requirements.